Asian Turkey Burgers

Lean turkey can taste bland, so these burgers fix that with a bold Asian-inspired seasoning mixed right into the meat. Fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and Worcestershire pack umami and warmth into every bite, while finely chopped onion and green pepper add moisture and texture, keeping the patties from drying out the way plain ground turkey tends to.

Mixing the seasonings throughout the meat rather than just on the surface is what gives these their savory depth.

Instead of a bun, the burgers get wrapped in crisp romaine leaves, which keeps them light, low-carb, and refreshing. Grill until just cooked through, taking care not to overcook lean turkey, since it dries out fast. Add your favorite toppings and eat them handheld in the lettuce wrap.

Chef Tips

• Don’t overcook them. Turkey is lean and turns dry quickly, so grill to just cooked through, 165°F (74°C) internal.
• Mix gently and don’t overwork the meat, or the burgers turn dense and tough.
• Chill the formed patties for a few minutes before grilling so they hold together on the grates.

Variations

• Add a splash of sesame oil, sriracha, or hoisin to the mix for more Asian flavor.
• Serve on a bun or over rice instead of romaine if you’d rather.
• Top with quick-pickled cucumber, sliced scallion, or a drizzle of spicy mayo.